Pigeon, a 1988 graduate of Elsinore High School, spent much of
his adolescence working as an actor, portraying Freddy on the
popular sitcom "Silver Spoons" for five years, as well as earning
roles in many movies, television shows and commercials.

Now, the longtime Canyon Lake resident said he has put together
a five-week course that will touch on everything from finding an
agent and auditioning skills to modeling advice and industry
protocols.

"This is my opportunity to be part of the community and offer
something," said Pigeon, who has lived in Canyon Lake since 1977.
"This is my opportunity to show them the steps to make it happen. I
grew up here, so I think it's a perfect fit."

Pigeon's acting career switched to music in the 1990s. He was a
member of punk rock bands such as "The Gain" and "Big in Japan" --Â
touring, having fun, influencing the music world, and letting
loose his insatiable energy through the drums, he said.

Today, he owns a promotional sales company and travels the
country. But the acting bug has bitten him again, thanks to his
4-year-old daughter, Taylor, herself an aspiring actress.

Pigeon and his wife have been taking Taylor to auditions, and
she recently landed a gig on the online comedy series "In The
Motherhood."

"She has inspired me to get back into this," he said.

In his acting heyday, Pigeon recalls good times on the set of
"Silver Spoons." He said he remembers how everyone was in love with
the sitcom's main star, Ricky Schroder, and how the two of them
would run around the set and have a blast.

"It was nonstop fun," Pigeon said.

In preparing the five-week course, he turned to his longtime
friend Carollyn DeVore, a casting director and talent manager with
35 years in the business, to help develop the curriculum.

On Sept. 20, Pigeon has scheduled a free workshop for young
people interesting in taking his weekly course. It is meant to
offer a sneak preview of how the course will help kids make it in
Hollywood.

The times and dates for the five-week course, as well as the
cost, have yet to be determined, but it is expected that it will
begin shortly after the September workshop and be conducted on
Sundays.

If lots of people show interest, Pigeon said, he may add a
weeknight course.

At the workshop, Pigeon will present with a few others in the
industry, including up-and-coming actress and San Marcos resident
Deanna Lynn Walsh, and photographer, cinematographer and actress
Heather Haase, who has appeared in movies such as "Iron Eagle" and
"The Burbs." DeVore is also slated to attend.

The workshop is meant for children ages 4 to 17. Pigeon said he
wants to start by helping young aspiring actors, because that is
his specialty. In time, he plans to begin teaching adults.

Pigeon said he doesn't buy into the notion that, for young
people, working to become a model or actor can be a waste of time
and money or serve as a bad influence.

"You're exposed to the same stuff in high school that you are in
the business," Pigeon said. "The difference is when you are acting,
you are building confidence and you have something you are focused
on. It's something to look forward to, an inspiration."

Bobbie Pigeon, Corky's wife, said she knows he will be an
amazing teacher.

"He is really passionate about everything he does," she said.
"He is super-, super-focused, and he doesn't let anything else
interfere when he is driven, when he is determined."

The Pigeons have been together for nearly two decades, and met
when Bobbie was a young actress.

"I have taken several acting classes growing up myself, and I
know he is capable of teaching better than the classes I've taken,"
she said. "He's a good speaker. He's great with kids. He's not
judgmental. He can make someone feel really good about
themselves."

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Former child star and Canyon Lake resident Corky Pigeon plans to
launch a five-week course on acting and modeling. Those interested
in enrolling in the course are asked to attend a free workshop to
learn more. Reservations are required.